Homemade Crunch Bars (Award Winning Recipe!) Recipe

Introduction

These homemade crunch bars are a delightful mix of crispy rice cereal and rich chocolate-peanut butter goodness. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat, they come together easily with simple ingredients and require no baking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter (can substitute any nut or seed butter)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (can substitute for grass-fed butter)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or a deep baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Place the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat until melted, then remove and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal and stir until evenly combined.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish, pressing it down evenly.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate for at least one hour until firm.
7. Step 7: Remove from the fridge, lift out the bars using the parchment paper, and cut into desired sizes.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor or to accommodate allergies.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• For extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts or seeds with the cereal.
• If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the maple syrup by a few tablespoons.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw at room temperature before serving. To soften slightly, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can substitute crispy rice cereal with puffed quinoa, gluten-free cereal, or another crisp, light cereal for a different texture or to suit dietary needs.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can lightly grease your baking dish with coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking, but parchment paper makes removal and cleanup much easier.

Homemade Crunch Bars (Award Winning Recipe!) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews

These Homemade Crunch Bars combine crispy rice cereal with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness. Easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these bars set up firm in the fridge and deliver that perfect crunchy and chewy texture in every bite.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups crispy rice cereal

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter (can substitute any nut or seed butter)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (can substitute grass fed butter)

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or a deep baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In either a microwave-safe bowl or over the stovetop, melt together the chocolate chips, peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat just until melted and smooth, then remove from heat and whisk thoroughly to fully incorporate the mixture.
3. Mix with cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the crispy rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until the cereal is evenly coated and combined with the chocolate mixture.
4. Set the bars: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least one hour until the bars are firm and set.
5. Cut and serve: Once firm, remove the set mixture from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into bars of your preferred size and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter such as almond or sunflower seed butter.
• Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness, but honey or agave syrup can be used alternatively.
• Coconut oil can be replaced with grass-fed butter for a different flavor profile.
• For a nut-free version, choose a seed butter like sunflower seed butter.
• Ensure the bars are refrigerated long enough to properly set for easy cutting.
• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Keywords: homemade crunch bars, crispy rice bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, no-bake snack bars, easy homemade snack